In enacting this chapter, it is the intent of the general assembly to advance the state's leadership position in technologies related to unmanned aircraft systems to foster more opportunities for citizens of the state with respect to unmanned aircraft system technology and related industries and to support the federal government in research, development, and testing in support of commerce and national security. The general assembly finds the following:

1. (1) The FAA announced on January 8, 2026, that Indiana is designated as a test site for UAS.
2. (2) The FAA notes that test sites help the United States assess emerging technologies to modernize methods for cargo delivery, Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, and multiple UAS operations while informing safety and security, ushering in the safe commercialization of UAS technologies and fully integrating UAS into the national airspace system.
3. (3) Indiana's designation as a test site was the result of a competitive process against other states and a joint application between the corporation and the operating partner. The proposal was developed under a contract between the corporation and the operating partner to pursue similar federal programs.
4. (4) The FAA test site will require substantial reporting and compliance activities to comply with federal laws and regulations governing the federal UAS Test Site Program and ancillary activities and is desirable for efficiency, clarity, and transparency to avoid duplicating regulatory schemes at the federal and state levels.

As added by P.L.87-2026, SEC.5.